Library column: Wisconsin reading

Looking for a book to read? Whether you are in the mood for fiction, nonfiction or a classic by Aldo Leopold, we’ve compiled a list of titles about Wisconsin by authors with strong connections to Wisconsin. Check out any of these titles at the library.

“Return to Wake Robin: One Cabin in the Heyday of Northwoods Resorts” by Marnie O. Mamminga

Mamminga’s book about Wake Robin, the cabin her grandparents built on Big Spider Lake near Hayward, is a summer read. Mamminga incorporates vintage photos and family stories to share her family’s memories of the golden age of camping in the Northwoods.

“Shotgun Lovesongs” by Nickolas Butler

Nickolas Butler grew up in Eau Claire and his debut novel, set in the fictional town of Little Wing, Wis., explores the major life changes that strain the friendships of five main characters. Butler’s novel is worthy of the abundant praise received from critics and readers.

“From the Top: Brief Transmissions from Tent Show Radio” by Michael Perry

A Wisconsin reading list is not complete without Michael Perry. In his latest book, these essays draw on Perry’s weekly appearances on the Tent Show Radio Program. His writing is both heartfelt and funny, whether he is writing about chickens or raising his daughters.

“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski

This novel is a heartbreaking retelling of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” by Wroblewski, who grew up in Oconomowoc. Edgar is a mute boy who runs away from home to the Chequamegon woods after a family tragedy.

“A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold

If your summer travels take you to southern Wisconsin, consider reading this classic from Aldo Leopold, which describes the land around his home in Sauk County. Part philosophy, part call for preserving the natural beauty of Wisconsin, Leopold’s book is a classic.

“Banning DDT” by Bill Berry

Bill Berry grew up in Green Bay and currently resides in the Stevens Point area. A former journalist, his book describes how Wisconsin citizens, reporters and scientists worked tirelessly in the 1960s to educate the public about the dangers of DDT, once considered a miracle pesticide.

Whenever you are looking for your next book, we can help you. The library offers reader’s advisories both online and in-person. Our online resource, NoveList, includes a Read-Alikes feature so you can read books that are similar to those you already enjoy or discover something new. Simply navigate to the research section on our homepage, click on online resources, and select NoveList or NoveList K-8 for kids. We also post book reviews on our website and social media every week. Find us on Goodreads and Pinterest to see what staff members are reading, or ask a staff member next time you visit the library.

Kathleen Kosiec is a library specialist with the Marathon County Public Library. She can be reached at 715-261-7230.